The Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Yann Bonzon, praised the support of the Nigerian Army in achieving his humanitarian efforts.
Bonzon delivered the commendation today, January 20, 2022, when he led a high-powered delegation from the organization on a courtesy visit to Chief of Army General Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya at Army Headquarters ( AHQ), Abuja.
He said the visit has become necessary to discuss humanitarian challenges with a view to finding ways and means to overcome them. He appreciated the support of the AN and the protection provided to ICRC personnel during humanitarian activities in the northeast and other operational areas throughout the country.
Bonzon also recognized the longstanding relationship and formidable bond between the two organizations and pledged to continue the partnership. He added that the ICRC will also continue to dialogue with the NA until common ground is achieved.
In response, the COAS, Yahaya, thanked9 the ICRC’s contribution to the AN’s activities, especially in the area of humanitarian assistance, training packages and research in theaters of operations, units, colleges and training institutions, which he said has had an impact significantly in the management of humanitarian activities.
Yahaya stated that the NA is always ready to interact and cooperate with the ICRC and any other organization in carrying out their operations. He pledged NA’s continued collaboration with the ICRC and urged the organization to continue supporting troops on the ground, unit formations, and training institutions.
In a related development, the president of the African Bar Association (AFBA), Hannibal Uwaifo, paid a courtesy visit to the COAS.
Speaking during the visit, Uwaifo said that the NA and Defense Headquarters are the African Bar Association’s strongest allies, adding that the Armed Forces have provided assistance to the AFBA in several areas.
He encouraged the media to always seek clarification before going to the press, especially in this age of terrorism and asymmetric warfare.
Uwaifo took the opportunity to brief the COAS about the association’s upcoming Conference of Military and Security Agencies in Malawi and other conferences scheduled for 2022 and called for greater involvement of the Nigerian Army, especially HROs.
Yahaya thanked AFBA for their support and cooperation with the NA and the Nigeian Armed Forces. He promised greater AN involvement in upcoming AFBA activities and continued partnership in areas of common interest.